The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift during the early part of the 20th century. Since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
During 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated in Buchanan, Michigan, was the maker of the first Tructractor. Employees made the tractor to make it easier to move components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to build more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machinery that very same year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor in 1923. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In nineteen twenty seven the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which function on gasoline, diesel, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These type of forklifts must be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to purchase, but much more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.